Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: February 20, 1984
• Invested on: July 09, 1984

William Peter VanDerLinden, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On the afternoon of 22 October 1982, William VanDerLinden rescued from certain death a man who had collapsed in a municipal sewer filled with noxious gas. The man was overcome after he had entered the manhole to clear an obstruction. At the scene of the accident Mr. VanDerLinden heard that not one but two men were at the bottom of the manhole and he decided to attempt a rescue. Attached to a lifeline and carrying a long rope held by concerned onlookers, he lowered himself into the six-metre deep hole. He found one man unconscious, propped against the wall with his head barely above the surface. Mr. VanDerLinden secured the rope under his arms and, bearing the full weight of the man, was pulled to the exit. Determined to save the other man despite the obvious danger, Mr. VanDerLinden climbed down a second time. While searching he became groggy and had to be pulled out.